'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

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Unfortunately, one thing that goes missing when playing sports on a video game system, is the social aspect of interacting with people in real life.

Here is more on Nick, a kid with Autism learning to play tennis whom I mentioned in above posts, this time focusing on the social aspect of this activity…

…[Nick] has found a sport that not only captivates him, but has given him a social outlet the he has not found in other sports.
…[Nick’s Dad] Wayne acknowledges, also giving credit to the many volunteers dedicated to the Special Olympics programs and the dedication of the Denver Parks and Recreation staff and programs. “We had to take him out of team sports, and tennis gives Nick the social side of a team sport that is important.” He also said that it forces Nick to stand in lines, and modulate himself…

(source: USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association)

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Another thing about working with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders is to be realistic and not to expect them to do something which they are just incapable of doing. This is very important as the confidence of Autistic kids can suffer if the impossible is expected of them (though this may be something quite ‘possible to do’ for a Neurotypical kid)…

…“Vicky [Nick’s instructor] has a way about her, always giving kids more chances,” Wayne [Nick’s Dad] said, adding that "she’s very structured and sets limits," which is crucial to working within the boundaries of Nick’s autism…

(source: USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association)

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The endorphins that give people the famous runner’s high work in every form of exercise including tennis of course. This might be add to the possibilities for social interactions for people with Autism.

I mentioned the professional surfer with Asperger’s Syndrome, Clay Marzo, in some above posts. It was said somewhere in the film on Marzo, Just Add Water, that he often struggles to make eye contact with people on land but in the water, that is not a problem. That could be a sign of the endorphins doing their magic and making someone that bit more social and confident.

The Autistic boy learning to play tennis, Nick, may well have become more social via the help of the regular endorphin highs induced by his lessons on the court…

…Marilyn [Nick’s mother] agrees with the progress Nick has made on the court. “When we first started the Parks and Rec program, Nick was not very social. He had no urge to be social and didn’t want to play.” But she said that slowly with time, Nick was developing skills. “Vicky [Nick’s coach] didn’t ignore him,” giving her hope of finding a leisure time activity that Nick would enjoy. “Nick always wants to go to tennis.”
Describing Nick as ‘the cutest kid’ when he started the program, Vicky warmly describes her long time student as “outgoing and happy. He just loves to be there with everyone.”…

(source: USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association)

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Given that the Autistic boy Nick’s family is Colorado-based, the ski slopes are another option for physical activity.

Indeed, probably partly due to the increased fitness he has gained due to the regular tennis, Nick started to enjoy other activities, including skiing…

…Nick says that of all the sports, his favorite one is skiing, which Wayne [Nick’s father] credits to the freedom Nick feels on the mountain.
“Nick takes a slope straight down,” Wayne said, also crediting the Eldora Mountain Special Recreation Program. Nick is a strong skier, and can negotiate the hardest runs on the mountain…

(source: USTA Colorado - the Colorado Tennis Association)

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While not as accessible to most of the population as many other sports, skiing is another physical activity that should lead to improvements in fitness for Autistic people.

Below is an extract of an article about an Autistic group of people going to the Weston Ski Track in Massachussets:

…Young Nordic Skiers with Autism Have Fun in Weston
Despite our snowless winter, we’ve seen some wonderful progress at our winter program on the Weston Ski Track. Its the only place in Massachusetts that makes snow for cross country skiing. This year we’ve enjoyed watching several participants with Autism Spectrum disorders build confidence and skills while having fun coming each week.

Some parents are able to take a little respite time while their children are with recreation staff on the snowfield by finding a spot nearby and being available by cell phone. Other parents ski with their children, or push them on a kicksled, or vice versa. Kicksleds are useful as an alternate way to be on the snow to get used to a new place and can serve as a break from learning to stand ski. Offering ski poles gives the seated person an opportunity to physically engage and gets them used to the arm exercise.

Brenda … who leads the Universal Access Program on Sundays, says “It’s great to get families out together on the kick-sleds and skiing alongside!” It provides the chance for family members to have fun and learn together in the context of a program experience with the built-in opportunity to meet and make friends with similar families. Some kids have found a new friend this winter on the ski track!..

(source: Everyone Outdoors: Young Nordic Skiers with Autism Have Fun in Weston)

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The above extract of an article about an Autistic group of people going to the Weston Ski Track in Massachussets, mentions a few adaptations that for the group. Like in tennis and martial arts, many of the steps can be broken into shorter steps, making them easier to learn for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…The young woman … gets assistance while setting up to ski with a ski walker - an interesting balance tool that can serve as a transitional element for new skiers. Adding a gait belt around her waist can make it easier for helpers to assist with balance and help her test skiing without the walker. She is now able to fit her boots into the skis independently.

Many of the steps of skiing take time to learn, such as clicking your boot into the binding using a ski pole, learning to balance on skis while moving slowly without poles, learning to use poles and increase speed, turn, and fall. Each aspect can be broken into short steps and built upon, offering opportunities for improvement on a week-to-week basis...

(source: Everyone Outdoors: Young Nordic Skiers with Autism Have Fun in Weston)

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Below is an abstract of a thesis examining the effect of skiing on Autistic children.

The writer is a candidate for a postgraduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists work with individuals who suffer from any kind of disabling condition (such as Autism) by utilising treatments that develop, recover, or maintain clients’ activities of daily living.

The Effect of Alpine Skiing on Behavior of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder as Viewed by their Parent.

…Abstract
Research has shown that physical activity and sensory input can have positive effects on the behavior of children with an autism spectrum disorder… The current study sought to examine whether participation in a seven week alpine skiing program had an effect on behaviors of children with an [autism spectrum disorder] as well as to examine the family’s perspective regarding their child’s participation in the program. Participants were recruited through an adaptive ski program and included three children with an [autism spectrum disorder] and one of their parent’s. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) was used to assess sensory-based behaviors. A questionnaire was developed to (1) examine parent-identified hopes for ski program participation and the extent the hopes were fulfilled and (2) describe the intensity of parent-identified challenging behaviors and the effect of the ski program on these behaviors. These measures were completed before and after the child’s participation in the seven week ski program. Results indicated subtle changes in behaviors. Additionally, some associations were found between changes in behavior and the fulfillment of parent-identified hopes for ski program participation. Further studies should examine how occupational therapists can use recreational activities, such as alpine skiing, to complement treatment activities when working with children with an [autism spectrum disorder].

(source: “The Effect of Alpine Skiing on Behavior of Children with an Autism Spe” by Katie O’Brien (http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ms_occ_therapy/6/))

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There is often confusion between the terms Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Each term is often used in relation to Autism treatments.

Here is a summary of the two areas and where they overlap…

Occupational Therapy
As compared with Physical Therapy, occupational therapy tends to focus more on evaluating and improving a persons functional abilities. An occupational therapist often does not directly treat a person’s injury using techniques such as manual therapy or acupuncture like a physical therapist would but more commonly helps a person optimize their independence and their ability to accomplish their daily activities following an injury or in situations of physical impairment.

While occupational therapists sometimes do directly treat injuries, occupational therapy tends to be more focused on improving life skills and often involves adaptive tools at times customized by the therapist. In some parts of the world occupational therapists utilize practices such as use of ultrasound in injury rehabilitation, much like a physical therapist does.

Helping people improve their ability to carry out their daily tasks is a prime goal of the occupational therapist. An OT is more likely to perform on-site assessments of both the home environment and work environment and give recommendations on suitable adaptations of each to allow for a better quality of life. The occupational therapist is trained to modifying the physical environment as well as training the person to use assistive equipment to increase independence. While physical therapists do on-site assessments as well this tends to be less common.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy tends to be more focused on evaluating and diagnosing movement dysfunctions as well as treating a persons injury itself. While an occupational therapist can also do diagnosis, the physical therapist will be more likely to diagnose and treat the physical source of the problem; the injured tissues and structures.

A physical therapist may be trained more extensively on anatomy and the musculoskeletal system resulting in a physical therapist often being as or more knowledgeable about musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation than a general practitioner medical doctor. Occupational therapists also undergo extensive studies of anatomy, often is equal to that undertaken by physical therapists.

Overlap Between OT and PT
Although the two health care professions have differences in their focus there is much crossover between OT and PT. For an example of the crossover, an occupational therapist is often involved in educating people on how to prevent and avoid injuries, as well as educating people about the healing process. Physical therapists in turn often help people improve their ability to do their daily activities through education and training. While there is this crossover between professions both play very important roles and are more specialized in their areas of expertise. In many situations, both types of health-care professional are involved in injury recovery.

(source: Occupational Physical Therapy? Differences Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy : (Physiotherapy))

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Below is a summary of the differences between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in terms of treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders specifically…

…Sensory Integration: Many autistic individuals have sensory problems, which can range from mild to severe. These problems involve either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimulation. Sensory integration focuses primarily on three senses–vestibular (i.e., motion, balance), tactile (i.e., touch), and proprioception (e.g., joints, ligaments). Many techniques are used to stimulate these senses in order to normalize them.

**Occupational Therapy: Can be beneficial for the sensory needs of these children, who often have hypo and/or hyper sensitivities to sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. May include sensory integration (above).

Physical Therapy: Often children with autism have limited gross and fine motor skills, so physical therapy can be helpful. May also include sensory integration (above)**…

(source: http://www.autismtoday.com/adviceforparents.pdf)

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We have seen in this thread that the great outdoors, can bring out some of the best in those individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. One nonprofit program that gets groups of Autistic children and young adults into the outdoors in Colorado is Extreme Sports Camp.

The exciting thing about this program is that Autistic people can participate in sports like wakeboarding, rock climbing and kayaking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. All this is done in a setting which caters to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders - including a staff to camper ratio exceeding 1:1! This should result in less worries about safety and many great experiences and fun days, all round

Located in the stunning Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen, Colorado since 2004, Extreme Sports Camp runs summer and winter camps for kids and young adults of all ability levels, anywhere on the autism spectrum. Our sports are individualized to achieve progress in athletic skills, and our campers develop a sense of camaraderie and social-emotional growth through group activities facilitated by trained staff.

Our program includes the same activities found in traditional mainstream adventure camps, which to our campers are akin to extreme sports… …our autism-engineered approaches guarantee success and fun while ensuring safety.

(source: Camp for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum - Extreme Sports Camp - Whitewater Rafting, Skiing, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding - Home)

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Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado follows an interesting approach. Instead of focusing on calming Autistics (which many successful treatments for Autism do), it encourages Autistic individuals to have really intense experiences at the camps in order to get more benefits when they return into the real world…

…“It’s got to be visceral,” said Doug…the head of the camp. “It’s stimulating, it’s super-intense. And, actually, the more intense it is, the better they are on the other end.”
“The greater the adrenaline shock that I can put to the system ? the brain, the body and the endorphin rush that comes in post-adrenaline rush ? is what gets them the most realization and calm,” [Doug] said. “When they are back in a normal situation, they have better capacity to be in control.”…

(source: Extreme Sports Camp for Kids With Autism - ABC News)

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Indeed one issue that is common in Autism Spectrum Disorders are sensory issues - for example, they might not be able to handle noise or brightness or hot or cold that neurotypicals often handle with ease.

Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado follows an approach of getting the Autistic kids into the extremes. In that way they can learn to face issues head on and hopefully get a sense of confidence from overcoming adversity…

…“Some kids need a little more pushing and some need a little less,” [Doug, the head of the Camp] said. “If the kid doesn’t need pushing, I don’t come and push – I just let them do their own thing.”

[Doug] tried to coax a camper named Johnny to try the ropes.

“You go first,” Johnny said.

“Are you scared?” [Doug] said. “That’s the way you learn from it.”

Johnny moved tentatively along a rope.

…[Doug] said he wants the campers to struggle, but only so much. If the campers get too scared or excited, he said, they can’t move forward.

“With that heightened apprehension, if we make it over that hump and on to the other side,” he said, “then we get what we’re looking for.”…

(sources: Autism Extreme Sports Camp - ABC News; Page 2: Autism Extreme Sports Camp - ABC News)

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One problem that parents of children with Autism may face when going to a trip to the great outdoors, is that their special needs kids can often take up much of their energy and time, so that they cannot enjoy the trip so much. As much as they love their child, their child just might be a handful to look after. Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado, for a cost, takes the work out for parents and allows their kids to enjoy a trip where they are supervised properly by qualified staff, so that the parents can be free of worries…

…[Susan] herself contributes many personal examples and advice in these sections, including a lovely description of a trip her family had taken to Colorado, which involved much planning and preparation. Her son, Nat, attended an extreme-sports camp specifically designed for kids with autism while she, her husband, and their two other children explored Colorado. One of my favorite parts of the book was [Susan’s] beautiful description of coming back to the camp to pick up Nat. “I was ravenous to see Nat again. We all were, but Nat was nowhere in sight. ‘Keep watching the trees,’ a counselor told us. The trees? A few moments later, a rustling sound, and then, suspended on a rope from a zipline, Nat came sailing through the trees with a hardhat on his head and a smile on his face.”…

(source: Teen Autism Book Reviews)

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Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado, follows an approach of getting the Autistic kids into the extremes. The nonprofit organisation’s core values include the following:

…We believe that every individual with autism has the right to attempt and attain athletics and has the right to be taught in the way they learn and succeed. Using innovative methods that are designed with the person with autism in mind, our participants can be successful at challenging athletic activities…

Indeed people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, despite strengths in some areas, are considered to be people with disabilities. Their rights have now been ratified by the United Nations - the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol was adopted on 13 December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

(sources: CARD at USF - First Choice in Autism Support. Summer Camp Page.; UN Enable - Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)

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If an Autistic child can feel great freedom when skiing on the snowfields, boating on the water should be right up there as well in terms of being an ‘escape’. Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado, has watersports offerings as well, of course:

…Last summer, dozens of kids with autism learned how to water ski, wakeboard and tube there, and the experience had an impact that nobody–even the parents–could see coming.

“It transformed the kids,” says Scott … executive director of the camp. “They discovered something that many boaters take for granted over time: the thrill of boating. By showing them the fun that can be had on the water, it empowers the kids to get out of their rooms and try new things. It’s truly life changing.”…

(source: High-Impact Boats | Boating Magazine)

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I mentioned therapeutic horseback riding for Autism Spectrum Disorders in an earlier post. Another horse-based therapy is called Hippotherapy. Unlike therapeutic horseback riding (where specific riding skills are taught), when utilising hippotherapy as a treatment strategy, the movement of the horse is a means to a treatment goal.

Some detail now as to how hippotherapy may work at treating an individual with Autism…

…The horse’s three-dimensional movement provides sensory stimulation to muscles and joints (called proprioception), impacts the balance and movement sense detected by sensory receptors in the inner ear (called the vestibular system), and provides varied tactile (touch) experiences when the client rubs or pats or hugs the horse, feels the heat from the horse’s body and feels the effects of the natural environment (sun/wind). The therapist can address communication goals by asking the rider to follow simple or multi-step directions. For example “turn to face backwards and give me a high five”. The client is encouraged to communicate directions to the horse verbally, if possible, or non-verbally through signs, such as “walk on” or “whoa”. Additionally, there are physical aides which the client can use such as the incorporation of reins for turning and stopping the horse, or a gentle leg squeeze to ask the horse to go. The client’s trunk musculature is challenged each time the horse steps forward or stops or changes speed. The rhythm of the horses stride, coupled with the pelvic movement exactly mimics the stride length and pelvic mobility of a walking human…

(source: Hippotherapy and Autism | Front Range Hippotherapy)

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I mentioned the Extreme Sports Camp near Aspen, Colorado, in above posts - that program follows an approach of getting the Autistic kids into the extremes.

There are indeed many short term camp programs for Autistic and other special needs kids in the United States. One example is the Speech and Fun Summer Camp held in Riverside, California…

…Free camp hosts 50 children on the autism spectrum with their brothers and sisters. Campers will enjoy fun activities while focusing on speech and social skills. Camp is staffed by volunteer Speech and Language Pathologists, Teachers, Instructional Aides Behavior Therapists and volunteer helpers working with each group. Sponsored by Riverside Medical Foundation, Riverside Medical Clinic and the Grove Community Church and supported by community donations…

(source: https://ieautism.com/uploads/Camps.pdf)

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Another Southern California-based program, this time focused even more on speech therapy for Autistic kids, is the Talk n Play Summer Speech Camp run by Corporate Talks (CT) Speech and Language Services…

…Corporate Talks is a private practice speech-language pathology group servicing Southern California (Riverside & San Bernardino counties). Experienced in working with non-verbal and verbal autistic children. Accepts Tri-care insurance for military families and is working on accepting more insurance types. New speech camp for 2010 is fun-filled allowing children ages 6-12 to use their creativity while making new friends. Our program is directed by a licensed speech-language pathologist and co-supported by occupational therapists, speech-language pathologist assistants, teachers, and college students with majors in communication disorders.
Our camp is thematically based and includes weekly field trips to various exciting locations. Each child in our program receives speech therapy services twice a week in individual or group sessions. This summer speech camp program will be 9 one-week sesssions…

(source: https://ieautism.com/uploads/Camps.pdf)

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I have already mentioned, in passing, Easter Seals in a number of other posts, this one for example. Easter Seals is a nonprofit organisation that assists more than one million children and adults with autism and other disabilities and special needs annually through a network of many service sites in the United States and elsewhere.

Easter Seals also hosts an annual speech camp…

…Each summer, if funding is available, Easter Seals provides Summer Seals Speech Camp for children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who have a significant language delay. Easter Seals affiliates across the country have become the leading provider of services to children with autism.

During Speech Camp, children receive group therapy as well as individual therapy. The Camp is a great opportunity for those children being served by the Public School system to continue speech services during the summer months.

Speech Camp is open to 35-40 children who are ages 2-14…

(source: Summer Seals Speech Camp | Easter Seals Central Alabama)

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Children’s Care, based in South Dakota, is another organisation that has speech therapy based camps for Autistic kids. Children’s Care offers a broad continuum of healthcare and educational services for children with various challenges from birth through age 21.

Here is their camp based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota…

…Speech Xtreme:
Dates: July 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, August 1
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm …
Do you or others have difficulty understanding your child’s speech? Are there speech sounds your child struggles with? This fun and exciting speech camp led by Children’s Care speech and language pathologists will include an initial assessment of your child’s speech then will focus on the development of clear articulation of speech sounds, including /k/, /g/, /f/, /v/, /ing/, /m/, /p/, /b/, and /d/…

(source: Children’s Care Camps 2012)